Sporting dogs are breeds of dogs that were actually used for hunting. They have been bred to assist hunters in tracking and retrieving game. However, hunting is now a strictly regulated activity, and these dogs now function more as house pets than as hunters.
These breeds are fairly active and could range from small to medium-sized dogs like Retrievers. They make great family pets because of their mild temperaments and they are very good with children too. The following would be the top three most popular sporting dogs. Because of their intelligence and beauty, they are usually used for dog shows as well.
• The Labrador Retriever is perhaps one of the most popular breeds of dogs out there. These dogs are very active, smart and are great with children. They always aim to please their masters and you could always see them with their happy eyes and smiles. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs so you would need to exercise them regularly so that they could expend some of their energy. Labs, when kept chained or caged without any exercise, would become highly over active and would be hard to control. You would want a dog that can easily be controlled because once he gains dominance over you, he would be the master and you would be the dog - metaphorically speaking, of course.
• Cocker Spaniels would have to be on my own list of beautiful dogs. They have long, shiny coats and wonderful puppy-dog eyes. Because of their wonderful coats and legs that look like they're wearing trousers, these dogs are usually competed in dog shows. With a coat like that, though, you would have to take care of it meticulously because it is prone to matting. Despite its docile appearance, the Cocker Spaniel is actually used to help hunters in retrieving game.
• The Irish Setters have been viewed as highly active dogs and could sometimes go downright goofy on you. Watching them play around is fun and you might not even notice that quite some time has already passed. Aggression has never been part of their personality makeup, making them great family pets but really bad guard dogs. However, you have to watch your dogs closely when you have small children and toddlers around because they are so lively, they might just knock them over.
If you want to take in a dog, you would have to be ready for the responsibility that comes with it. Being a responsible dog owner does not only mean that you feed him and give him shelter. It also means that you have to give him love, play with him, discipline him when he does something wrong and take him to the vet when he is sick. Come to think of it, owning a dog is almost somewhat like having kids.
If you want more information on sporting dogs, why don't you try visiting Sporting Dogs? You will find a lot of additional information there.
Kristle has a keen interest in dogs and also is a dog lover. Learn more about your favorite dog breeds along with a few training and care tips at All Dog Breeds
